SARASOTA/BRADENTON, FL – Halloween is one of the biggest shopping events of the year in the U.S. and Goodwill Manasota is committed to serving as this area’s Halloween Superhero Headquarters for those seeking costumes and home décor. Whether shoppers are looking for a full costume, need just one more item to complete their ensemble, or are creating a brave new look from scratch, Goodwill can help.
According to the National Retail Federation, the number of Americans planning to partake in Halloween festivities is expected to rise from 171 million in 2016 to 179 million this year; spending is expected to rise from $8.4 billion in 2016 to $9.1 billion this year – and thrift/resale shops account for nearly 11 percent of Halloween shopping. The top costume for children is reported to be an action hero or superhero. Even pets won’t be left behind: 16 percent of consumers dress their pets (the top costume is a pumpkin).
Throughout October, Goodwill Manasota will hold a Halloween Scavenger Hunt on social media. Each week, Goodwill will release a list of 10 Halloween-themed items to find in its retail stores. Shoppers who find these items are encouraged to snap a picture and share it either on Facebook or Instagram, using the hashtag #GoodwillManasotaHalloween. At the end of the month – on Halloween day – the person with the most finds will be announced and crowned the King or Queen of Halloween.
Shoppers who would like assistance to build or complete their costumes are encouraged to speak with available Goodwill team members, who can direct them to the items they need. The organization will be posting videos and costume how-to guides throughout the month as well. Additionally, Goodwill is a great place for community members to find the raw materials for spooky décor to transform their homes for the holiday.
“Goodwill is a one-stop shop for costumes for the entire family. Not only is the process of shopping and creating costumes fun, it supports our mission of changing lives through the power of work,” said Goodwill Manasota president and CEO Bob Rosinsky. “Revenues from your Halloween costume or home decor purchases fund our job training and career services for people with barriers to employment – those funds stay local.”
To find the store location nearest you or for information about Goodwill’s programs and services, go to experiencegoodwill.org or call (941) 355-2721.
About Goodwill Manasota
Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With the sales of donated goods and philanthropic donations, Goodwill is able to assist people with disabilities and other barriers to employment by providing job skills training and employment opportunities. In 2016, Goodwill Manasota served 28,207 people, placed 755 people in jobs and assisted 240 veterans as they reintegrated back into the civilian workforce. Goodwill Manasota’s economic impact back to the community is worth $92.1 million. Goodwill is one of the pioneers of the reduce-reuse-recycle movement and this past year diverted more than 40 million pounds out of the landfill. We accomplish our mission through a network of Good Neighbor Centers in Sarasota, Manatee, Hardee and DeSoto counties and our Mission Development Services (MDS) around North America. Goodwill Manasota is accountable to a local Board of Directors. Goodwill Manasota, in essence, belongs to this community and is not owned by any individual or company. For more information, visit www.experiencegoodwill.org.